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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  • 1 Post By Tony P
  • 1 Post By Samy

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  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2011
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Ukraine, Iran and Caucasus

Hello,

I am a newbie to this and will be travelling around the black sea minus the Western Europe and Russian sections (that is Ukraine, Iran and through the caucasus) and I was wondering what are the quality of the roads? Would a enduro be necessary of just a road bike with proper tires?

Thanks,
Kurt
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  #2  
Old 2 Nov 2011
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Roads in Iran are fine (the jury is still out on the drivers... ), but like any country it would depend on what you want to do. If you just want to go to the developed parts of the country and/or get across it from east to west, then you could do that on anything.
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  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2011
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Russia sections, should you decide on them, are fine too. Good to fair tarmac or concrete slab roads.
At worst you might meet a bit of smooth graded gravel if riding through the inland Caucuses region.

Border possibilities and procedures with Georgia and Azerbaidjan need to be checked out though. Things change regularly!
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  #4  
Old 5 Nov 2011
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I have been travelling around between all these countries.

Enduro will be better, a road bike also works.

Main roads are mostly ok or not that bad generally. For countryside needed to be more careful. Some roads has potholes and not so well, especially in Ukraine.
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  #5  
Old 6 Nov 2011
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I agree with Samy - there can be some bad stretches of road in the Ukraine.

I went through there a few years ago with a Honda ST1100 - I had to keep my eyes open, there were some potholes in the main roads (national roads) that would have busted a rim if I had hit them. Although, I suppose, they probably would have busted a rim on a dual-sport if the rider hit them at the same speed...

Street bike should be OK, just keep your eyes wide open in the Ukraine.

Michael
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  #6  
Old 18 Nov 2011
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Thanks guys. I never thought Ukraine would have the crappiest roads!
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